new tank question regard. plastic piece in middle

[mcatgt]

would it be ok to cut out the plastic piece in the middle of my 46 tank? it gets in the way of the lighting and make a shadow

 

[ChrisRD]

I would strongly recommend you NOT remove the center brace. This piece of plastic is there to keep the glass panels of the tank from bowing when it's filled with water. If you fill the tank without the brace, you run the risk of the panels bowing too much and cracking.

 

[Anonymous]

It's there for structural integrity, so you'll be taking a chance at a leak (or worse) a break by removing it..

That said, I removed the center brace on my 30 (36x12x18) and have been fine for over 10 years now.

 

[taikonaut]

Knock! Knock!

 

[mcatgt]

ok, i was not going to...just thought i'd ask

 

[Anonymous]

If you want to take it out I would repalce it with a glass pannel. First put the glass pannel in by siliconing it to the front and back walls. After a couple of days (3-4) cut out the plastic strip. I would not cut it out and leave it that way. Many tanks come with glass pannels siliconed in insted of the plastic strip so it does work.

 

[Anonymous]

Knock! Knock!

And how! :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

heh. i saw a tank that someone had done that to. the glass acually bowed out in the front, due to lack of support + water pressure

 

[Anonymous]

I have known a few people who have done this and regretted it - especially on bowfronts. Try wazzels suggestion but I would do it before the tank is filled with water personally.

A quasi-eurobraced 46 bowfront would be an awesome tank since you could just about light it with one strong halide.